EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TUITION EXTRA GROUP : TRAILBLAZING EDUCATION IN KENT
RUTH MINHALL , AWARD-WINNING CEO OF THE TUITION EXTRA GROUP , TALKS ABOUT HER ROLE LEADING A TRAILBLAZING EDUCATION SERVICE THAT IS TAKING KENT AND THE WORLD BY STORM !
Ruth founded Kent-based Tuition Extra a decade ago to provide education to neurodiverse youngsters with special educational and social emotional mental health needs . The company has grown under Ruth ’ s leadership and now employs 160 staff across various sites . By removing barriers to learning , the group provides the conditions for students to be successful , helping many who would otherwise be unable to engage with education .
“ My work as a CEO and leader allows me space to explore new strategies and gamechanging ideas ,” says Ruth . “ I also have the privilege of leading an incredible team of staff ; together we change young lives for the better every day .”
Ruth became involved in teaching and education later in her career having worked in the music industry , journalism and corporate business . After travelling extensively and nurturing a passion for animal welfare , Ruth took a risk , singlehandedly launching her company which now hosts its tuition service headquarters in Canterbury , an independent special school called Haven Nook , and Maypole Farm , an animal therapy and outside learning provision .
Ruth ’ s love of animals remains a central feature within her business . Maypole Farm sits on a 52-acre site in Hoath , near Canterbury , and is home to horses , pigs , goats , sheep , chickens , guinea pigs and more . Her animals are all rescued or rehomed and are nurtured and trained to work with students as animal therapists .
Speaking of the farm , Ruth explains : “ The animals at the farm are sensitive and highly intuitive . They understand our young people and sense their unspoken needs , making no demands but offering connection and trust . For some students , the animals offer a bridge to rebuilding positive ‘ people ’ relationships , helping them to reconnect with life , society , hope and aspirations .”
Maypole Farm is a favourite for students and staff who enjoy the adventures of Forest School learning , construction , mechanics , animal care , horticulture and more . “ It is a school without walls giving youngsters space to explore in a natural and holistic environment – it is magical ,” says Ruth .
The Tuition Extra Group has gained attention in both the UK and USA with its groundbreaking approach to education . “ We don ’ t think outside the box – there is no box for us !” Ruth adds . “ We approach teaching and learning creatively to meet the varying and diverse needs of our students . We combine therapeutics with emotional development techniques to unlock confidence and potential . Our results are outstanding and speak for themselves . Students in our cohort are often expected to fail but we are re-writing the rule book here .”
Ruth ’ s leadership has cut its own path in the world of education . Her company ’ s groundbreaking strategies serve to actively combat poor life chances often associated with children who have complex needs . Ruth encourages herself and her team to take risks in a ‘ safe to fail ’ environment that supports ideas and a solution focus . “ Think big and never be afraid to fail ,” she says . “ Failure is a journey and an important part of any success story !”
tuition-extra . co . uk
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